Analysis
Roger Williams University's Legal Professions program produces some of the strongest early earnings in the country for this degree—ranking in the 88th percentile nationally—but the small sample size (fewer than 30 graduates) means these results could look quite different for your child's cohort. At $40,424 in first-year earnings, graduates earn more than typical peers nationwide ($37,766), and the trajectory improves to $48,253 by year four. The $27,000 median debt sits right at the national average, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67.
The challenge is that this is Rhode Island's only bachelor's program in Legal Professions, making it impossible to compare against in-state alternatives. The strong national ranking suggests the program prepares students well, though it's worth understanding that many Legal Professions graduates work as paralegals or in legal support roles rather than as attorneys. The 19% earnings growth over four years indicates career advancement potential, but you'll want to confirm your child's specific career goals align with where these graduates actually land.
Given the limited sample size and lack of comparable Rhode Island programs, schedule a call with the department to ask about job placement specifics and whether recent cohorts mirror these outcomes. If your child is set on legal work but unsure about law school, this could be a financially sensible starting point—just verify the career paths before committing.
Where Roger Williams University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal professions and studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Roger Williams University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roger Williams University | $40,424 | $48,253 | +19% |
| Drake University | $29,273 | $58,783 | +101% |
| Ball State University | $39,220 | $53,981 | +38% |
| Berkeley College-New York | $36,131 | $43,264 | +20% |
| Berkeley College-Woodland Park | $32,325 | $36,772 | +14% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Legal Professions and Studies bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Roger Williams UniversityBristol | $42,666 | $40,424 | $48,253 | $27,000 | 0.67 |
 Bellevue UniversityBellevue | $8,886 | $42,907 | — | $30,148 | 0.70 |
 Central Penn CollegeSummerdale | $19,404 | $40,226 | — | — | — |
 Ball State UniversityMuncie | $10,758 | $39,220 | $53,981 | $27,000 | 0.69 |
 Nazareth UniversityRochester | $40,880 | $38,737 | — | $23,250 | 0.60 |
 University of ArizonaTucson | $13,626 | $36,795 | — | $20,937 | 0.57 |
| National Median | — | $37,766 | — | $27,000 | 0.71 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Roger Williams University, approximately 16% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 21 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.